The Board of Elementary and Secondary Education convened on Tuesday to approve the contract with the Louisiana Department of Education for the state’s new education savings account program. “It is mission critical to get the program approved so that we can launch by March,” Cade Brumley, Louisiana state superintendent, said. The Louisiana Giving All True Opportunity Scholarship Program is poised to become the state’s first education savings account program, offering funding for K-12 education. The contract will allow the state education department to manage the program. The LA GATOR program will replace the current school voucher program, the Student Scholarships for Educational Excellence Program. ESAs provide more flexible funding that families can use for private school tuition, tutoring, exams, after-school programs, and other educational expenses. The LA GATOR program will offer annual funds, with potentially higher amounts for students with special needs and those from low-income families. The 2024-2025 stated budget allocated $1.8 million to implement the new ESA program, which allows parents to use part of their tax dollars for various educational expenses, including private school tuition, tutoring, and online learning. During the meeting, board members highlighted the urgency of approving the contract to ensure a successful program launch by March, warning that delays could jeopardize students’ placements and future educational growth. He noted the importance of legislative support in funding the ESA program, emphasizing that without timely action, families could face severe consequences. “The rules are in place, the contract was in place it just wasn’t heard on time, so we have to adjust the dates,” Brumley said. “With approval of this contract today, you will be up to date on everything for which you’re supposed to have done.” Board members expressed their commitment to pushing forward with the program, citing the need for marketing efforts to inform parents about available educational options. At-large board member Judy Armstrong pointed out that the successful implementation of the ESA program is crucial for both current voucher students and those from low-income families seeking educational alternatives. Brumley said that legislators have not expressed any intent to cut funding in the next session. “I have not heard from any legislator indicating a reduction of educational funding,” Brumley said, adding that he hopes that BESE will be in attendance at the next hearing before the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget. “Now, the way in which that happens, the [way in which the funding is allocated], would certainly be up for consideration during that session.” The contract was approved without objection.